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Hiking Boot with Integrated Gaiters
The design I have come up with is a hiking boot with integrated Gaiters. Its purpose being to cut out the hassle of rummaging through your rucksack to find your gaiters and then the struggle with attaching the clips, why not just have it ready inside your shoe, that way with one simple movement, there on. This works by them being stored inside the top half of the boot and then pulled upwards when needed (which would be replacable if they were to get damaged). The gaiter is elasticated at the top to secure above the calf, and a toggle underneath for extra tightening, keeping it in place and keeping you dry .I’ve also added some little extras to the boot; a memory foam lining inside, to mould to the shape of your foot and laces that don’t have to be replaced (because there aren’t any) just clasps that are to be tightened or loosened at each section of the foot to suit the user.
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I’m not an expert in hiking, as you can probably tell. I’m doing a course in design and this idea was a result of talking to my housemate who loves walking but hates gaiters. So I’m interested to see what you think.
Comments
i think this is a great idea. im sure i’m not the only one that thinks that taking your pack off on a walk just to get your gaiters out is annoying and a hassle. in regards to the above comment, as i understand the designer has no walking experience so obviously it’s not going to be perfect. with help and input from experienced hikers and modifying the style of the shoe (it’s a bit wierd and looks like a snowboard boot) and different materials to use, i can imagine this product being in the shops. good luck.
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as much as i hate the fiddlyness of gaiters for me this desgn falls down in a couple of areas; im willing to bet that this boot, particularrly when the gaiters are up would be nigh unbearable hot; secondly the dea of a thick rubber sole is quite classical and maybe would be better as vibram or even a soft more flexible sole more akin to a trail shoe for flexibilty of uneven ground. finally where exactly would the gaiter go in the ankle of the boot...surely the resulting bulge from any fold down would rub particularrly on long trips. despite this i do like the essential idea...a few refinements and it could go far!! good luck!